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Welcome to Essex Pediatrics

Our goal at Essex Pediatrics is to provide families with the highest quality medical care. Please call our office with any questions or concerns. We welcome your feedback and suggestions for how we may better meet your needs.

Late Summer / Early Fall

Again this year no flu-mist is available, but all flu-shots will be preservative free.

SCHEDULING

The Vermont Principal’s Association recommends annual physical exams for Middle and High School students. Please call us soon, 3 months in advance if possible, to schedule these appointments. Call, we will always do our best to get your child scheduled.

Most colleges require a physical exam, updated immunizations (a meningitis booster is generally needed) and a form signed by the doctor for first year students. Please bring your form with you to the appointment with your portion already completed.

VACCINE REQUIREMENTS FOR SCHOOL ENTRY

According to guidelines, children entering kindergarten require Dtap (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis), IPV (Polio) and now a Varicella (Chickenpox) booster.
Children entering the 7th grade are required to have a Tdap and possibly a Varicella booster. If your child is attending a residential school, such as boarding school or college, Menactra (Meningitis) vaccine may also be required. Menactra is now routinely given after age 11.

MEDICATION AT SCHOOL FORMS

If your child will be taking medication at school, the school nurse will need written permission from you and the doctor. Advance notice for this is appreciated.

BIKE HELMET

Many head injuries can be avoided by protecting your children with helmets when they roller blade or ride a bike, scooter or skateboard. For your convenience, bike helmets are available for $15.00 in the office.

SUNBURN

UV rays can be very damaging to the skin. Avoid the hot mid day sun between the hours of 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Wear hats, sunglasses and cover as much skin as possible. Be especially careful when on the water or sand as sunlight is reflected upward from these surfaces. We recommend a UVA and UVB, broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Initial application should be 20 to 30 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply frequently. Combination insect repellent and sunscreen is not recommended as overuse of insect repellent can occur when applying frequently.

INSECT REPELLENT

Insect repellents containing Diethyltoluamide (DEET) are generally safe for children if used in concentrations of less than 30% and frequent reapplications are avoided.
It may be helpful to apply to clothing in addition to exposed skin.

TICK BITES

If you find a tick on your child’s skin, it should be removed promptly and carefully. Ticks must be attached to the skin for at least 36 hours before they can transmit Lyme disease bacteria. Not all ticks carry Lyme disease.

To Remove the Tick:
Grab the tick with tweezers as close to the skin as possible and slowly pull it straight out. Do not use a twisting motion. Cleanse your child’s wound and apply antibiotic ointment.

Signs and Symptoms of Lyme Disease:
In the early stages of Lyme disease, a bulls eye rash may appear at the site of the tick bite. Along with the rash, your child can develop other symptoms, many of them flu like, that may include fever, fatigue, headaches, mild neck stiffness, muscle and joint aches.

Prevention:
– Stay on cleared trails and away from overgrown grass and brush.
– Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants with the cuffs tucked into shoes or socks.
– Wear light-colored clothing to make it easier to spot ticks.
– Wear a hat and closed-toe shoes especially in densely wooded areas.
– Tick and insect repellents are available to be applied.
– Once indoors, remove clothing and wash skin to remove repellent if applied.
– Inspect the body for the presence of ticks. They may hide behind ears or attach themselves to hair.
– Pets may bring ticks into the house and should be inspected.